Scientific Name
Sternopygus macrurus
Common Name
Longtail knifefish
Biology
Occurs in swamps, creeks, and river with lentic waters. Preys on small invertebrates, particularly the larvae of aquatic insects. Breeds before the start of the rainy season or during the rainy season, with a fecundity count of 6473 eggs. Males persistently defend their territory and apparently make electric signals rates and interruptions thereof to females passing by to draw in a spawning partner. Mature females' EODs are of higher frequencies than mature males. Plasma androgens modulate the EOD frequency during the breeding season. Embryos hatch on day 4; larvae begin to feed on day 11. The electric organ and electroreceptors are both present in the larva at the time of first exogenous feeding. Seems to reach sexual m